Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1632 - 564: Steel Throne (Part 2)

"Lord Rein, you..." Sword Saint Terrio found himself scanning Rein from head to toe without restraint.

"Lord Terrio, it's best to address him as the Steel Throne." Noticing the shock on Terrio's face, Haleem rubbed his beard while grinning.

"Terrio, do whatever feels right to you." Rein managed only a bitter smile.

Yet, following a thorough inspection, Terrio advanced promptly, his face grave, and offered a sincere bow to Rein, declaring, "Lord Steel Throne!"

"You..."

"Oh dear, I overlooked notifying the council of your advancement. To avoid their misguided choices, I must dispatch a message right away." Sword Saint Terrio abruptly knitted his brows as the realization hit him.

...

Meanwhile.

Federation Capital Anthor.

Atop the Parliament Building's highest level, within an opulent office facing south, a silver-haired elder puffed on his pipe while swiftly inking a thick pile of papers with his feather pen.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Right then, urgent raps echoed through the room.

"Enter!" the elder called out.

A lady dressed in a fitted skirt dashed inside, sweat glistening on her brow, and announced:

"Mr. Speaker, this demands your instant attention."

The secretary's worried look alerted Federation Speaker Lawson Powell that a grave incident had unfolded.

Promptly, Lawson snatched the paper and started perusing it.

"What! All three Lords Robert have perished?"

That opening line alone jolted Lawson deeply!

With these three included, five of the Federation's powerhouses had met their end during the Floating City Ruins venture... the toll was truly heavy.

"Hmm? The Floating City Ruins are now under control?"

"What! The Empire's lone envoy, Lord Rein, delivered the key achievement? Thus, the Floating City falls under Empire rule?"

Finishing the secret dispatch, a whirlwind of feelings surged within Lawson; he creased his forehead, pondered briefly, and then instructed:

"Alert the capital's members to gather for an urgent session in just fifteen minutes."

"Understood, Mr. Speaker."

...

Fifteen minutes passed.

Within the lavish meeting hall of the Federation Parliament Building, uproar reigned supreme.

"Has Sword Saint Terrio lost his mind?"

"Are you aware the Federation sacrificed five—yes, five epic-tier powerhouses—and ultimately, the Floating City ends up with the Empire?"

"This prank has gone far too overboard."

"True enough, and rumors say the Empire dispatched just a single powerhouse this round!"

"What!"

From the outset, the assembly focused on the Floating City ignited fierce debates among the attendees.

...

"Quiet down!" From the head position, Lawson struck his pipe and commanded sternly.

"Attendant, distribute the details of the matter to the members."

As aides passed the authentic secret documents to everyone, silence enveloped the whole chamber!

Following almost a full minute of hush, one member at last questioned: "This... Mr. Speaker, does... does the document truly reflect reality?"

"Affirmative; the Intelligence Office confirmed it via the Cave Camp, and Lord Terrio himself forwarded the account." Vice Speaker Bertrand replied for Lawson.

Suddenly, with a loud 'bang,' the chamber's entrance burst wide, and a male aide stumbled in, his face ashen.

Several members nearly berated him, yet they held back once they noted who he was—Lawson's aide, typically poised and steady. His evident alarm signaled a colossal development.

But what sort of crisis was this?

Might further twists involve the Floating City?

Amid the intrigued stares from the group, the male aide approached Speaker Lawson's position and whispered shakily:

"Mr. Speaker... chaos has erupted in the Dragan Empire! The Imperial City Tamriel is largely overrun, the foes are... the Fiend Demon!"

"What!"

The revelation struck like thunder out of clear skies!

Every elite in attendance stood stunned.

"Give us the full account!" Vice Speaker Bertrand recovered and demanded.

After the male aide recounted it once more, the members slowly started voicing their views.

Here, a military figure interjected: "Maybe, to the Federation, this doesn't have to be unfortunate."

"Maybe we can reclaim the Floating City."

"Indeed!"

"That holds water!"

"Armed with the Floating City, we'd stand a chance against the Fiend Demon."

Numerous members' gazes sparkled in support.

"That's unwise!" Just then, a seasoned woman's tone cut through.

"Leaving out how such actions would shatter ties between the Empire and Federation completely, consider this: how did Lord Rein, as the Empire's only participant, lead the charge in probing the Floating City Ruins?"

The dissent came from the striking female delegate Trena.

Trena's statement prompted nods from many, even as others resisted.

Next, another delegate added:

"Delegate Trena, if memory serves, you've long shared a tight bond with this Lord Rein, and intel suggests he's furthermore..."

At those words, a flush spread unbidden across Trena's cheeks.

"No misconceptions, please; what I mean is, amid the Dragan Empire's turmoil, why not use this chance to convince Lord Rein to switch straight to the Federation?"

"Besides, in the Empire's present condition, holding the Floating City might prove too burdensome for repairs, and solely the Federation can offer him aid."